Ryan Smyth

A day after Panthers forward Tomas Fleischmann credited Matt Duchene for the most productive stretch of his career, the young Avs center returned the favor.

Fleischmann, who was traded from the Capitals in November 2010 to the Avs, went on a tear, scoring 21 points, including eight goals, in 22 games before a life-threatening blood clot ended his season prematurely.

After getting the embolism under control Fleischmann chose the free-agency route and once the Avs didn't make him an offer, he took the Panthers lucrative, four-year 18-million deal which expires after this season.

Duchene, who also had 21 points, including 11 goals, in the same stretch, raved about his...

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A day after Panthers forward Tomas Fleischmann credited Matt Duchene for the most productive stretch of his career, the young Avs center returned the favor.Fleischmann, who was traded from the Capitals in November 2010 to the Avs, went on a tear,...